The Details

When the pandemic began, we were all thrust into an unfamiliar time and space, when most businesses and schools were operating remotely and daily life had come to a halt. It was a time of uncertainty, a time when surrealism certainly seemed to take on a more tangible form and manifest all around us. And in the midst of everything turning upside down, when life was put on hold for most people, our lives together were just beginning and flourishing with beauty.

Mike elevated mine and Khloe’s lives, coloring our world in hues I didn’t even know existed. While most people experienced great loss and deprivation, I can only see an ourpouring of blessings when I look back on that time.

The man who waited almost four decades to find his soul mate, who built up walls and protected his heart, told his best friend that he was “going to marry that girl” right after our first date. I wouldn’t learn about that until the night of our wedding, during the Best Man’s speech. In fact, I wouldn’t hear “I love you” for 2 months after we met, even though he later admitted that he fell in love with me that very first night.

Knowing how particular I am about jewelry (and pretty much most things), Mike drove me down to Birmingham, to my favorite store, Diamonds Direct. I knew exactly what I wanted and they just happened to have the perfect stone to match my vision. We celebrated that night with a memorable meal at the Summit, and spent the rest of the weekend celebrating our future.

I spent 10 months obsessing over all the details, scouring Pinterest and Etsy, clipping pictures, creating spreadsheets, and trying to keep everything organized. I had most elements narrowed down to 3 or 4 choices, but everything fell into place when I stumbled upon a picture of a navy velvet couch in front of gorgeous art deco wallpaper in shades of navy, aqua and gold. This inspiration piece not only cemented our color scheme, but also the time period I wanted to convey. Up to that point, I had all these spinning plates in my head, and finding that one image brought my vision into focus. Suddenly, all the apparel choices became obvious and I found a much needed cohesion for the reception décor.

While it may not look like it, our wedding was truly a DIY affair, with every design element and minute detail carefully calculated and curated by yours truly. I used the art deco wallpaper to dream up the navy and aqua tablescapes with ornate gold chargers and chivari chairs, offset by blush roses and pampas grass. I designed the tent layouts and added an entry arbor to welcome guests and direct them into the reception space. Once I decided on sparkles for the wedding cake, I found the perfect gold trim and commissioned rhinestone encrusted fleurs-de-lis in varying sizes. I created pearl draping for my bouquet, which I strung myself one pearl at a time, weaving them together with a vintage rhinestone brooch in the center and earrings on the sides. I even embellished my satin Mary Janes, giving them a sparkle worthy of Daisy Buchanan herself. And it’s no surprise to those who know me well that I lavished the rest of my time designing and creating all of the stationery, menus, programs, and wedding crests and monograms.

In the weeks leading up to the Big Day, Mike and I procured a collection of antique furniture and collectibles to bring in soft seating and evoke that timeless vintage feel. I spent all my free time designing the stationery and signage, stringing pearls for my bouquet, searching for the perfect estate jewelry, and acquiring all the necessary accoutrements, such as linens, tableware, favors, gifts, and accessories, to bring my vision to life.

As guests arrived, our welcome table was overflowing with small favors to accommodate our guests’ comfort and enjoyment, from wooden folding fans, vintage hankies, confetti cones, streamers, and heel guards so the lovely ladies wouldn’t sink into the grass. At dinner, each place setting included custom shot glasses, which I designed, and blush favor boxes with six Ferrero Rochers nestled inside. In an effort to minimize waste, we had confectionary boxes and to-go boxes so guests could take home the leftovers, and gift bags to carry everything home in. We even had waterproof flower bags so guests could take home any floral arrangements they desired, in hopes that our flowers might be enjoyed a little while longer.

Deciding on the venue was a no-brainer. The St. Florian Fiber Farm was beyond perfect for the ambiance I wanted to create. It was like stepping back in time, to the days when cotton was king and chivalry was still very much alive. I was fortunate to find the most talented vendors who not only took my ideas and ran with them, but went above and beyond my expectations.

Our fabulous florist, Justin Myrick, of Weddings by Juts, and his talented team, created an ethereal fantasyland, infusing that Fitzgerald-Gatsby flare at every turn. To ensure our guests were invited in high style, the richly talented Barbara Stanaitis, of RiverTown Press & Paperie, designed the most regal and whimsical letterpress ensemble to set the tone for the entire affair. The culinary master, Ceri Krening, of Sweet Basil Alabama, curated the most delectable menu offerings to reflect the grandeur of the day. And the brilliant Cindy Bradley, of Cindy’s Sweet Pleasures, dazzled our guests with her elegant and extremely delicious wedding cakes. And none of the decor and ambiance would have been possible without Josh and Nick from Party Pros USA, who provided all the tents, tables, chairs, and staging. They were beyond professional and so helpful in the planning process.

From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted strings to serenade our guests as they arrived. I was fortunate to find Mr. Thomas Maternik-Perit and the enchanting Capstone String Quartet whose mellifluous music set the perfect tone for the ceremony. For the reception, Mike and I both wanted a high-energy, highly entertaining band who would knock our guests socks off. And who better to do that than Justin Holder and Chad Burdine from Drumb & Drumber? I’m sure most of our guests will remember how the whole band just kept right on playing when a breaker tripped and we lost power for a few minutes… a first class act, without a doubt.

I cannot say enough good things about our experience with the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. They were so professional and accommodating throughout the whole experience, taking care of our guests’ reservations, setting up spa treatments, coordinating the Rehearsal Dinner, and helping me with all the little details.

And last but not least, my bridesmaids and I were completely pampered by Ms. Pat Pullam and her dedicated team (I’m looking at you, Lindsey!) at Modern Brides in Huntsville. I felt like royalty at every appointment, and their talent and skill is only surpassed by their passion and enthusiasm. They literally took care of every single detail I dreamed up for the ladies’ wedding attire and I could not be more thankful.

Our wedding was an intimate affair with a 14-member bridal party and 100 of our closest family and friends, with many spending the weekend with us at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. As guests arrived at our venue, St. Florian Fiber Farm, they were met with a smattering of small favors and the eloquent sounds of classical music from the Capstone String Quartet. “Falling Like the Stars”, by James Arthur, played as I walked down the aisle, and we were married by our friend, Minister Dylan Scott, beneath a grapevine pergola bursting with roses, hydrangeas, and pampas grass. We posed for our bridal portraits during the Cocktail Hour, while our guests enjoyed passed hors d’eurves of pickled shrimp on fried green tomatoes, bruschetta, assorted tea sandwiches, and an impressive charcuterie and crudite board.

We set up a separate beverage tent, affectionately named “Barber Brews & Booze”, offering guests a full bar, complete with top shelf liquors, bottled beers, and choice reds and white wines. The buffet style dinner consisted of boursin topped filet mignon with fried green tomato stacks on baby greens and bacon bundled asparagus, shrimp & grits with caesar salad, and chicken piccata with RWB salad and pimento cheese potatoes au gratin. The five tier wedding cake was adorned with golden fleurs de lis and sparkling rhinestones, each tier more decadent than the next: vanilla with raspberry filling, strawberry with buttercream, lemon with blackberry filling, and rum drizzled vanilla with buttercream. The chocolate grooms cake was filled with chocolate ganache and fashioned to look like a Weber grill complete with t-bone steak and veggie skewers.

Our guests danced the night away to the velvety pipes of Billy D. Allen and the raucous sounds of Drumb & Drumber, as the alcohol flowed and everyone’s spirits rose. We finished off the reception in a shower of confetti and streamers. Limousine service was provided to transport guests to and from the hotel and the After Party, where we all celebrated into the wee hours of night. The next morning, we hosted a cocktail brunch of mimosas and bloody mary’s in the Sam Phillips Suite. Afterward, several couples joined us for afternoon drinks by the lagoon pool, where we again enjoyed live entertainment from Drumb & Drumber. We closed out the evening on the penthouse balcony and were treated to an incredible holiday fireworks display that looked so close you could touch them. After a short night’s sleep, we awoke at the break of dawn to catch a small commuter plane to Atlanta to begin our honeymoon.

Mike’s family is from Barcelona, and since I had already visited Italy twice, where my family is from, we knew that Spain was the obvious choice. We booked a 7-night stay, with 4 nights in Barcelona and 3 nights in Ibiza. We spent several weeks brushing up on our Spanish and creating itineraries for our visit. We had a very dedicated and tenacious travel agent, Angela Brown, of AAA Travel, who secured us top of the line suites with private rooftop jacuzzis and even got us First Class seats that recline into lie flat beds, to ensure that our 17 hour flight was comfortable.

However, due to COVID and terrorist threats, all flights into Spain were cancelled shortly before the wedding, forcing us to come up with an alternate plan at the last minute. Fortunately, our travel agent was able to put together a 12-day package at the Dreams La Mareas resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, securing us a honeymoon suite with a private swim up pool. It didn’t take us long to see why everyone calls it paradise.

During our visit, we enjoyed couples massages at the spa, ziplined through the rainforest, swam in the hot springs, and braved the 1000 ft water slide. We chartered a private offshore fishing tour, where Mike fulfilled his childhood dream of catching a Rooster fish. At the tender age of 9 years old, Mike saw his first Rooster fish in National Geographic and vowed to one day catch one himself. This was definitely the highlight of our trip and the sheer joy on his face was priceless. Our honeymoon was pure romance and we created the most amazing memories we’ll cherish forever.